UNH Today

Thomas Malkoski ’78, a transformational leader and advisor, has been named the University of New Hampshire’s Paul J. Holloway Entrepreneur of the Year.   

Malkoski will be presented the award at this year’s Paul J. Holloway Prize Competition, UNH’s premier business plan competition. Malkoski graduated from UNH with an economics degree and earned an MBA from the University of Michigan.  

Malkoski’s career spans multiple industries, including public, private equity and private company structures. He has been instrumental in building brands, transitioning mature businesses to high-value products and diversifying end markets through strategic innovation, internal startups and acquisitions.  

Currently, Malkoski advises private equity groups and is a limited partner in funds that invest in early-stage businesses.   

Malkoski remains active in the UNH community, serving as a member of the Paul College Dean’s Advisory Board, the E-Center Advisory Task Force and the Investment Committee of the student-run Rines Angel Fund. He also shares his expertise as a judge for the Holloway Prize Competition and as a mentor to UNH students.  

Previously, Malkoski was an operating partner with Arbor Investments and on the board of Oregon Freeze Dry, a pioneer in branded meals and nutritional supplements. Before retiring from active corporate leadership in 2021, he was the chairman and CEO of Chaucer Foods, a global leader in freeze-dried fruit and nutritional ingredients with operations across three continents.

Malkoski also spent over 13 years as CEO, president and board member of Penford Corporation (NASDAQ), a trailblazer in specialty ingredients for diverse industries. Under his guidance, Penford launched a highly profitable clean-tech bio-polymer division, innovating in adhesives, building materials and personal care sectors.  

With a career that began at Procter & Gamble, followed by significant roles at Chiquita Brands, Griffith Laboratories and as CEO of Floral Plant Growers, a private equity-owned roll-up play in the live plant business, Malkoski has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to innovation and excellence in business leadership. 

Malkoski resides in Atlanta with his wife, Kris, and enjoys time with their three adult children, a grandchild and three grand dogs.